2021 Audi Q5

● Typical for this model

2021 Audi Q5
RENDERED 2026-09-16T17:12:15.974Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2021: 71 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2008	0
2009	31
2010	99
2011	143
2012	168
2013	89
2014	105
2015	99
2016	77
2017	42
2018	202
2019	50
2020	25
2021	71
2022	22
2023	43
2024	20
2025	42
2026	3

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 37%

37% of complaints: electrical system — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel gauge and adas.

Show complaint excerpts

On 8/3/26, my 2021 Audi Q5 began throwing numerous different malfunction/error alerts and the engine turned off while driving after a bottle of water had partially spilled onto our backseat behind the drivers side.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260820

Also filed under POWER TRAIN

Q5 HAS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT, THAT IS, THERE IS A GATEWAY MODULE LOCATED UNDER THE REAR SEAT CUSHION/CUP HOLDER. ALL OF THE COMMUNICATIONS TO ALL THE CONTROLLERS GO THROUGH THIS LITTLE BOX.

NHTSA ODI report, 20210106

ENGINE 24%

24% of complaints: engine — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

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Reverse car went full throttle, brakes did not work, car stopped in reverse when it hit a tree. Seat belt did not tighten,

NHTSA ODI report, 20240604

Also filed under SERVICE BRAKES

When driving in extreme cold (ambient temperatures of -35 or colder) and I reach a speed of 50mph or higher, my engine fails.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231014

POWER TRAIN 20%

20% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit and clutch assembly.

Show complaint excerpts

VIN number: [XXX]. Audi Q5 Prestige 2021 Mileage 48,540 I have contacted Audi Corporate regarding a catastrophic Transmission Failure while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260828

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 18%

18% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 13 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

SERVICE BRAKES 6%

6% of complaints: service brakes — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving down a slight hill in 1/2 inch of snow at 5MPH and when I tired to gently brake as I descended the hill, the brake pedal had no resistance and went flat to the floor. I had no brakes.

NHTSA ODI report, 20211204

Also filed under STEERING

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210604 — suspension

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the lock nuts and, if necessary, the associated bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 42L1.

Campaign 21V295000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210827 — seat belts

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect, and replace as necessary, the middle-rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 27, 2021.

Campaign 21V606000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220121 — electrical system, structure

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Q5 Sportback, SQ5 Sportback, 2018-2022 Q5, and SQ5 vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will install a protective cover on the gateway control module and seal an underbody seam as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

Campaign 21V947000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220303 — suspension, tires

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle, adjust the alignment as necessary, and replace any prematurely or unevenly worn tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 3, 2022.

Campaign 22V034000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221025 — back over prevention

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.

Remedy: Dealers will update the infotainment unit software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2022. Owners may contact Audi's customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 91DZ.

Campaign 22V742000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221108 — engine and engine cooling

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Audi Q5 Sportback, Q5, 2022-2023 Volkswagen Atlas FL, and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace an affected engine, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 6, 2022.

Campaign 22V753000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240328 — electrical system

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 RS e-tron GT, e-tron GT, Q4 e-tron Sportback, Q4 e-tron, 2020-2021 Audi A8, 2019-2024 e-tron Quattro, 2020-2024 e-tron Sportback Quattro, Q5, and 2021-2022 A7 vehicles.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to use the 220V/240V compact/portable charging cable and only use the 110V home charging cable or public charging stations.

Campaign 23V842000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250501 — electrical system

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Audi Q5, and 2022 A7 E Hybrid Electric PHEV vehicles. The high-voltage battery may overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install advanced diagnostic software , free of charge. Volkswagen will monitor available online vehicle data and contact owners as necessary, to advise them not to charge the vehicle until the battery can be replaced.

Campaign 25V080000 — check if this car was fixed